Jamale Pringle, Political Leader of the opposition United Progressive Party (UPP), has unveiled 14 of the 16 candidates set to represent the party in the next general elections constitutionally due in 2028.
This announcement comes as the UPP aims to strengthen its position following the 2023 general elections, where the Antigua Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP) secured a narrow victory with nine out of 17 seats, while the UPP won six seats.
The other two seats were won by the Barbuda Peoples Movement (BPM) and the late Asot Michael who ran as an Independent.
The UPP’s candidate selection process experienced delays due to unforeseen personal circumstances affecting certain constituencies. Despite these challenges, Pringle emphasized the importance of responding to the “loud call from our supporters for a formal announcement” even as two constituencies remain under deliberation.
The UPP’s lineup features a blend of seasoned politicians and fresh faces. Notably, Franz DeFreitas returns to contest St John’s City South, while Alister Thomas is set for St John’s City West. Senators Johnathan Joseph and Alex Browne will vie for St Mary’s North and St Phillip’s North, respectively, with George Wehner contesting St Peter, having recently undergone a by-election on January 14, 2025, following the killing of the former MP, Michael.
Newcomers include Barbara Coates in All Saints West and Wayne Benjamin Marsh in St Paul. Coates, during a recent rally in Pares Village, declared her unwavering commitment to the UPP, stating: “I am not for sale. I cannot be bought … I am staying with the United Progressive Party.”
Additionally, newcomers Ashworth Azille will represent St John’s Rural East, and Emanuel Peters will contest St John’s Rural South.
Meanwhile, five incumbent representatives — MPs Algernon Watts (St George), Kelvin Simon (St Mary’s South), Richard Lewis (St John’s Rural West), Sherfield Bowen (St Phillip’s South), and Jamale Pringle (All Saints East and St Luke) — have reaffirmed their commitment to their constituencies.
Pringle assures that caretakers for the two remaining constituencies — St John’s City East and St John’s Rural North — will be announced promptly.
